Be Aware of Clauses

Whether you realize it or not, chances are you have agreed to arbitration on dozens of occasions.

You don’t have to sign or click “I agree” on a website to be bound by arbitration. The clause can appear on product packaging or be buried in warranties, user manuals or website “terms of use”.

How to Protect Yourself

Check to see whether companies use arbitration. Try to choose products from companies that don’t use arbitration (if you are choosing between two similar products in quality and price). Opt out when you can. Complain, contact customer services, other consumers, CEO. Negotiate using the legal leverage you have-try to settle informally before arbitration.

For more information or a list of brands that use or do not use arbitration agreements, see

Consumer Reports: March 2020.